Cross-partner Congruence in Approaches to Interpersonal Interaction and Individual and Couple Outcomes 178 views

The current study examines the degree of similarity between partners’ approaches to interpersonal interaction (attachment orientation and autonomy and relatedness behaviors) in relation to several metrics of individual and relationship functioning assessed concurrently and longitudinally. Greater cross-partner congruence in interaction approaches may foster understanding and attunement between partners, helping partners meet each other's relational needs. On the other hand, greater incongruence may lead to unmet needs and may prompt destructive conflict patterns. Yet, congruence may also interfere with relationship growth over time. The current project aims to address several limitations in the study of congruence, specifically that past research has used statistical methods such as difference scores that can lead to biased results and has primarily looked at concurrently measured outcomes. Hypotheses were tested using data from a diverse community sample of 184 young adults and their partners observed every three years from ages 23 to 33. Response Surface Analysis was used to evaluate congruence effects in relation to relationship satisfaction, physical relationship aggression, and levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the bloodstream. Findings generally supported a positive role of congruence in relationship approaches. Specifically, congruence in anxious attachment orientation and in use of autonomy undermining behavior was linked to greater relationship satisfaction assessed concurrently. Congruence in use of relatedness undermining behavior was linked to relative decreases in physical aggression over the next 4 years. Finally, avoidant attachment congruence was linked to lower levels of concurrent physical aggression and IL-6. Yet, congruence in avoidant attachment was also linked to a relative increase in physical aggression over the next 4 years. Results are interpreted as suggesting that the degree of cross-partner congruence in interpersonal approaches may play a role in shaping how these approaches are linked to individual and couple outcomes. In some cases, behaviors considered maladaptive at the individual level may not be linked to harm when partners use them congruently. Better understanding the nuanced relationship between cross-partner congruence in interpersonal approaches and functioning may subsequently inform intervention efforts aimed at improving relationship quality and downstream sequelae of relationship qualities.

PHD (Doctor of Philosophy)

English

2025-07-21